Sar Shalom, He calms the storms – Rev. Grace Reyes - Be Still
He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
“Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), this title, which translates the Hebrew term Sar Shalom.
The title Jehovah Shalom occurs only once in the Bible, in Judges 6.24: “Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord Is Peace”.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 ESV
Even though it’s true that everyone has hard days and difficult weeks, you don’t have to surrender to those emotions that try to steal your joy, disturb your relationships, and rob you of your victory. When you feel overwhelmed by problems or emotions that are hitting you from every direction, just stop a moment and deliberately set your heart and mind on Jesus and the Word of God. As you do this, the wonderful, conquering, dominating, supernatural peace of God will rise up from your spirit and take control!
Dealing with challenging situations through Christian faith involves applying Biblical principles and relying on God's guidance to find peace. Here are some ways to handle situations that promote peace:
Prayer: Turning to prayer in times of trouble is essential. It allows you to communicate with God, seek His guidance, and find comfort in His presence.
Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reading Scripture: The Bible is a source of wisdom and comfort. Reflecting on passages that speak to your situation can provide clarity and reassurance.
Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Trusting God's Plan: Believing that God has a plan for your life and that He works all things for your good can help you remain calm and hopeful.
Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and forgiving others can release burdens and bring peace to your heart.
Judges 6:22-24 narrates a pivotal moment in the story of Gideon, where he encounters the angel of the Lord and receives divine reassurance. Here’s a breakdown of these verses and some commentary on their significance:
22 When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the Lord, he exclaimed, “Alas, Sovereign Lord! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face!”
23 But the Lord said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.”
24 So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
Realization of Divine Presence: Gideon recognizes that he has encountered a divine being, which causes him great fear. In the Hebrew Bible, seeing an angel of the Lord often invoked terror and the belief that one might die, as direct encounters with the divine were considered overwhelming and potentially lethal due to God's holiness and human sinfulness.
Fear of Death: Gideon's exclamation reflects a common biblical theme where seeing God or an angel face-to-face was believed to be fatal. This underscores the awe and reverence people had towards divine manifestations.
Verse 23: Divine Reassurance
God's Reassurance: The Lord immediately reassures Gideon with words of peace, dispelling his fears. This reassurance not only calms Gideon but also serves as a divine endorsement of the mission Gideon is about to undertake.
"Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.": These words are significant as they convey God's protection and presence. The assurance of peace is a powerful statement of God’s intention to be with Gideon, guiding and safeguarding him.
Verse 24: The Altar and Its Name
Building the Altar: In response to this divine encounter and reassurance, Gideon builds an altar, a common practice in the Old Testament to commemorate significant encounters with God.
"The Lord Is Peace" (Yahweh Shalom): Naming the altar this way reflects Gideon’s experience of God's peace, contrasting his initial fear. This name encapsulates the character of God as one who brings peace amidst fear and turmoil.
Legacy of the Altar: The text notes that the altar stood in Ophrah of the Abiezrites, indicating the lasting impact of this divine encounter. It serves as a memorial to God's intervention and the peace He brought to Gideon, symbolizing a place where God’s presence brought reassurance and tranquility.
Significance
Divine Encounter and Human Response: This passage highlights the profound impact of divine encounters on individuals. Gideon’s fear and subsequent peace reflect a transformative experience that prepares him for his future role as a leader and judge in Israel.
God’s Reassurance: The emphasis on peace and the reassurance from God is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God comforts and encourages His chosen servants, preparing them for the tasks ahead.
Memorials of Faith: The construction of altars in response to divine encounters serves as a physical and spiritual reminder of God’s faithfulness and presence. These memorials are meant to inspire faith and remind future generations of God's past interventions.
In summary, Judges 6:22-24 encapsulates a moment of divine revelation and reassurance that transforms Gideon from a state of fear to one of peace, underscoring the nature of God as a bringer of peace and the importance of memorializing divine encounters.
Si bien es cierto que todos tenemos días y semanas difíciles, no tienes por qué rendirte a esas emociones que intentan robarte el gozo, perturbar tus relaciones y robarte la victoria. Cuando te sientas abrumado por problemas o emociones que te golpean desde todas las direcciones, simplemente detente un momento y deliberadamente fija tu corazón y tu mente en Jesús y en la Palabra de Dios. Al hacer esto, la maravillosa, conquistadora, dominante y sobrenatural paz de Dios surgirá de tu espíritu y tomará el control.
Afrontar situaciones desafiantes a través de la fe cristiana implica aplicar principios bíblicos y confiar en la guía de Dios para encontrar la paz. A continuación, se presentan algunas formas de manejar situaciones que promueven la paz: